“Alright, what are you thinking?”

“I’m thinking some petunias and lilies for the first couple of rows, and maybe some mums after that. Do you think lavender would be a nice addition to the space around the fence?”

“Ooh, they’d compliment the bushes really well. And look, they have multiple colors of both petunias and lilies! You could make arrangements!”

“Ooooooooo, I’m already getting so many ideas! This is gonna look great!”

The energy pouring off of Douglas and Wallflower is infectious. Roseluck, who watches the two from behind her stall, can’t help but smile at their enthusiasm.

“It’s been a while since I’ve had customers this excited to plant flowers.”

“He’s trying something new,” Wallflower chuckles. “And I think it’s gonna go great.”

“Hah! Experimenting with flowers is always a great idea. And it makes for a nice date,” she adds with a wink. “I wish both of you luck!”

“Woah, wait. You heard her?” Douglas asks as he points a thumb at Wallflower.

“Uhh, yeah?”

He looks at Wallflower with shock, but she just laughs and brushes him off.

“I’m not gonna try to hide anymore. If someone wants to talk to me, they’re free to.”

“Wallflower…”

“Come on, we’re holding up the line.”

“R-right!”

After another couple minutes of deciding, the pair depart from the stall with a bag full of countless seed varieties. They both beam with happiness as they energetically saunter across the market, checking out a few other stalls along the way. There are so many options, and Douglas has plenty of space for planting!

“Ah, Mr. Anon!”

“Huh?” The pair turns around to see Mr. Daikon loading up his cart with bags upon bags of vegetables. “Oh, hello, Mr. Daikon.”

“Do you think you could–”

“His name is Douglas!” Wallflower shouts.

“I… what?”

“He goes by Douglas now. Please respect that.”

Daikon tilts his head at Douglas, and although he stutters for a moment, he eventually finds his voice.

“Anon was a nickname I’m trying to leave behind. Please, call me Douglas.”

“Well… alrighty, then.” Daikon laughs to himself as he chucks another bag into his cart. “What are you two doin’ out here, anyway?”

“My garden got torn up by some rabbits after somepony left the gate open, so we’re buying flowers to plant instead.”

“Not doin’ the veggies anymore?”

“Nah. I’m sorry, but…” He stops himself for a moment, and Wallflower notices his expression get serious for a brief instant as he nods to himself. “I think I’m done handing out veggies. I want to grow flowers now.”

“Well, those are pretty tasty too!”

“Not for eating.” His voice is clear and confident as he responds. “I want my garden to look nice. I want to feel satisfied with my work, and I want to be able to admire it without giving it away.”

“Oh. Well, that’s a darn shame. Your garden was a real nice place.”

Douglas is quiet for another moment before he smiles again.

“I think it’ll still be open to the public. Just… for viewing, rather than for taking.”

“Hm. You know, I might just need to stop by sometime.”

“I’d be happy to have you,” he replies with a nod.

“Are you sure about this? I thought you were gonna try to live for yourself a bit,” Wallflower whispers.

“I am. And I don’t want anyone taking advantage of me anymore.” He turns to look down at her, the smile never leaving his face. “But I really do enjoy making others happy.”

“That’s gonna be a difficult balance.”

“Hah! True, but I’ll have you there to help me, right?”

Wallflower blushes, but she doesn’t look away. Instead, she returns his grin.

“I’m not going anywhere, big guy.”

The two continue on their walk, and Wallflower notes that Mr. Daikon didn’t finish his request for help. Instead, he appears to be loading the vegetables on his own with no issue. It’s difficult work, but he doesn’t seem too hung up about it. That’s a good start.

“Besides, having you around might help you get accustomed to talking more.”

“W-wait, what?”

“That’s what you wanted, right? To be noticed?”

“Well, sure, but–”

“The Art Off was just about the worst possible place to do that. If you want to make connections, real connections, it’s gonna take a lot more than a piece of art at a show most ponies don’t understand.”

“I…”

“Though the art does help. Please don’t give up on that, you’re really talented.”

“Peh. Wasn’t planning on it.” She gives him a side-eye before chuckling. “Maybe I’ll throw some picked flowers at my next piece and see if that goes over any better than ‘Potted Plant’ did.”

Douglas snorts as the pair begins to laugh, finally making their way out of the market. They make idle chit chat as they return to Douglas’s ruined garden, though they both catch a few whispers and stray thoughts from ponies passing by along the way.

“Did you hear about the Art Off?”

“Yeah, those two mares ended up donating all of their prize money to Ponyville Elementary.”

Wallflower blinks, and Douglas playfully nudges her.

“Maybe not everything they say is a lie.”

“Ugh. I still don’t like them.”

“I’m not gonna say ‘I told you so,’ but it is nice to know that my kindness really was good for something.”

Not long after, they hear another passing conversation.

“Who was that artist?”

“I don’t know, but some ponies petitioned to have her piece displayed on the show floor. Not sure if they actually did it, though.”

“Can you blame ‘em? Those tomatoes have to smell terrible.”

“True, but the artist had to know that, right? Personally, I think it’s genius!”

The couple disappears around a corner, their words quickly becoming inaudible. Wallflower turns to look at Douglas, her mouth hanging slightly open.

“What did I tell you?!” he laughs. “I knew there’d be ponies that would appreciate your art!”

“I… I…” She groans, but that groan quickly turns into an incredulous chuckle. “I hate it when you’re right!”

The two continue to share that laugh as they finally arrive at Douglas’s garden. Sure enough, it’s still completely barren save for Douglas’s rose bush and Wallflower’s favorite lemon tree. They glance at each other and nod, determined smiles spreading across each of their faces.

The hours quickly begin to fly by as they get their hands and hooves dirty. Gardening isn’t easy, especially on a hot summer day, but both are able to enjoy the moment. The satisfaction of a job well done, the excitement of flowers yet to come, and the contentment of a moment spent together is enough for them.

At some point, they both turn their heads as they hear the gate creaking open. Standing behind it is none other than Miss Oldbag, who glares at them with angry eyes.

“Mr. Anon! You said you’d repair my fence days ago!”

“I did.”

“I wanted you to paint it chartreuse! You clearly painted it closer to a green-yellow!”

“Aren’t those the same thing?”

“No! Not at all! Ugh, you–”

“If you’re not happy with the job he did, you can paint it yourself.” Wallflower stands from her position on the ground and faces Oldbag directly, who scoffs at her approach. “And his name is Douglas.”

“A-and who are you?!”

“A friend. One that doesn’t take others for granted.” She steps closer to Oldbag, who takes a step back. “He and I are busy tending to his garden. If you want something from him, how about starting with a ‘please?’ Or better yet, a ‘thank you?’”

“I… ugh, I don’t have time for this.”

With a huff, Oldbag trudges away. Wallflower has to close the gate behind her.

“We’ll talk again later, Miss Oldbag! Thanks for coming!” Douglas shouts after her. “That was a little harsh.”

“If you’re not gonna put a hoof down, I will. Helping others is fine, but you need to set boundaries.”

“And you could probably stand to be a little more polite.”

After stuttering for a moment, she sighs.

“You’re probably right. Think you can help me out with that?”

“With pleasure!” he laughs.

The two continue to work, the energy level a bit different but still very positive. Then, for the second time, the gate opens with a creak.

“Mr… Douglas?”

“Hm? Oh, hello again, Mr. Daikon!”

Daikon steps into the garden with two other stallions behind him. Wallflower doesn’t recognize them, but Douglas does.

“Mr. Bright! Mr. Dim! Good afternoon.”

“Hey there, Douglas. Wow, that name is gonna take some getting used to,” one of them laughs.

“Anyway, figured we’d swing by and see what you’re working with,” Daikon says with a tip of his hat. “You weren’t kidding, this place looks like it’s been wrecked.”

“Yeah, well, we’re trying to make the most of it.”

“Thought so. You’ve always been the tenacious type. That’s why I figured I’d gather some buddies and offer a few helping hooves.”

“W-wait, what?”

“You’re always helpin’ us out, and I don’t think we’ve ever heard you complain once. It’s only right that we should return the favor in your time of need. Ain’t that right, fellas?”

The two other stallions smile and nod before awkwardly producing some trowels from their saddlebags.

“I-I couldn’t ask you to–”

“We insist, Douglas. Just tell us where to begin!”

The three offer him big, toothy grins. He glances at Wallflower, who just smiles and shrugs.

“Th-thank you! In that case, could you start with the orange lilies in that corner over there?”

With a little cheer, the three stallions step further into the garden and set out on getting to work. With three more gardeners, the job begins to speed up. All of them make light conversation, including Wallflower, as they work. It makes for a pleasant afternoon, and their joy only increases as more ponies that were passing by stop to take notice. Most ignore the group effort, but a select few, most of which Douglas recognizes as ponies he’s helped in the past, offer to pitch in themselves.

By the time the sun has begun to set, there are about a dozen ponies wiping sweat from their brows and looking out at the garden. It still isn’t pretty considering nothing has grown yet, but it will be. The soil is in place, the flowers have been planted, and after some weeks of love and care, everything will be good as new. Better, even!

One by one, the many visitors see themselves off. Every single one of them is all smiles as they step outside of the garden, each making sure to close the gate behind them as they do so. Eventually, Douglas and Wallflower are left alone once again.

“That went better than I ever could have expected.”

“You know, I never would have imagined all of those ponies coming to help you. Maybe all those favors were good for something after all.”

“Not everypony has been taking advantage of me. I’d like to think today is proof of that.”

“Hah. Yeah, yeah, you told me so.”

“I wasn’t gonna say it!”

The two start to laugh, but are interrupted one more time. While the gate does creak open, they smell the heavy perfume of their new arrivals before they see them.

“Sweet Pea! Spice Berry! Good evening, and congratulations!”

“Oh, thank you, Mr… Douglas, right?”

“You actually got his name right? That’s a shocker,” Wallflower mumbles to herself.

“It’s all thanks to you!” Spice Berry shouts as she rushes up to Douglas’s side with Sweet Pea right behind her. “We got the stuff we needed, we put on a show, and we donated all of the money, just like we said we would!”

“I saw. Congrats again, I’m glad the school is getting more funds thanks to the likes of you.”

“Yeah, well, that’s what happens when you’re as talented as we are!” Sweet Pea says with a cocky smile. “And here.” She brings a hoof to one of Douglas’s hands and places a small bag into it. “The bits we owe you!”

“Oh, you didn’t have to do that!”

“I repay my debts! Anyway, we’ve got places to be. Later!” She turns to exit the garden, but freezes as she spots the rose bush. “Are you sure we can’t have just one little rose?”

“He said no!” Wallflower shouts.

“We weren’t asking you!”

“Now hold on.” Douglas places a hand on Wallflower's back and looks back up at the pair with a smile. “You can each take one, and only one. I’m really proud of this bush, but… if you really want a piece of it, I think I can part with that.”

“Thank yoooooou~!” Without another word, Sweet Pea plucks a rose from the bush, takes a bite out of it, and happily trots out of the garden, leaving the gate open behind her.

Spice Berry, on the other hand, has been quiet for some time. She pokes at the ground below her before clearing her throat.

“M-Miss Wallflower?”

“Huh?” She tilts her head in confusion, not expecting to be addressed.

“I… I really liked your art piece. I hope you don’t mind, but I asked the staff to put it on display.”

“You did?”

“Mmhm. It… it really touched me. I-I know Sweet Pea and I have plenty of fans, but I think seeing your work was the first time in a really long time that I actually felt seen, you know? …I-I’m not making sense, please ignore me.”

“No, I get you.” Wallflower’s voice is quiet and unsure. “I wasn’t really expecting that from you, of all ponies.”

“Yeah,” she replies, her voice just as quiet. “I understand.”

She turns to leave, but Wallflower places a hoof on her shoulder.

“You know, if you ever want to discuss art for a little while… I’d be willing to talk.”

“Hah! I wasn’t expecting that from you.”

“That’s fair.”

The air is silent for a long, tense moment until both mares simultaneously begin to laugh. They stay like that for a while until a voice rings out from the road nearby.

“Spice Berry! Are you coming or what?!”

“Yeah, I’m coming!” She turns back to Wallflower and Douglas before giving them one last smile. “I’ll see you around, okay?”

With a wave goodbye, she follows Sweet Pea’s lead and trots out of the garden. She doesn’t take a rose, and she’s sure to close the gate behind her. When it finally shuts, Douglas and Wallflower turn towards each other.

“Looks like you made another friend.”

“Yeah,” Wallflower mumbles. “From the last place I ever would have expected.”

“I’m happy for you.”

“I’m happy for us.”

“Haha!”

With a content sigh, Douglas takes a seat underneath the lemon tree, and Wallflower doesn’t hesitate to join him. After a few moments, she sighs as well. Without a word and without warning, she scoots up to Douglas’s side and leans against him. Although surprised, he reaches out an arm and wraps it around her, pulling her into a tight embrace. It’s nighttime now, and a calm silence has fallen over Ponyville.

For a while, the two stay just like that. No words need to be said.

Douglas, the man who tried to please everyone to the point of taking on a fake name, denied himself true happiness. Wallflower, the mare who rejected everyone to the point of isolation and disappeared from the public eye, did the same to herself. Despite how different their approaches were, their problems were one and the same. In their attempts to please or deny everyone around them, they lost what they truly wanted: a real connection with someone that understands them.

But now, they have each other.

As they sit in that quiet garden, they look forward to the coming days. The days when Wallflower will make new, genuine friendships with others. The days when Douglas will allow his true self to be seen by those around him. The days when their flowers will bloom and their little garden becomes the place of beauty they both long for. The days that they’ll spend together, inseparable for the rest of their lives. As these thoughts swim through both of their minds, they look deep into each other’s eyes.

And there, beneath the lemon tree in Douglas’s quiet garden, they share a kiss under the moonlit sky.

Author's Note

At long last, the finale!

Thank you so much for all of your support! A lot of work went into this story, and I'm so glad to have taken this journey with you!

As always, I appreciate any and all feedback!